Vehicle shaped backpack and method of use

ABSTRACT

A transformable vehicle shaped backpack including a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle having opposed ends. The hollow body portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion. The vehicle shaped backpack also includes at least one transportation element attached to the bottom surface, a first fastener attached adjacent to one of the opposed ends, a second fastener attached adjacent to the other of the opposed ends, and at least one strap having first and second connectors. The first connector is detachably connected to the first fastener and the second fastener is detachably connected to the second fastener such that one of the first and second connectors can be detached to transform the backpack into a pull-toy supported by the at least one transportation element. A method of transforming the vehicle shaped backpack to a pull-toy is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,317, filed Jun. 26, 2006, and is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a backpack that is shaped like a vehicle and a method for using the backpack as a toy. The straps of the backpack can be removed so that the backpack can also be transformed into a pull-toy.

2. Description of Related Art

Various shaped backpacks are known. However, heretofore, no vehicle shaped backpacks have been available. Also, while backpacks with rollers are known, it has not been known to provide a backpack in the shape of a vehicle with wheels, skids, runners, or treads that will enable the backpack to be pulled like a pull-toy.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide an improved backpack. This backpack has uses as both a carrying device and a pull-toy. The backpack is fun to use, and is different from what is known heretofore.

Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to principles of this invention, a transformable vehicle shaped backpack is provided that allows the vehicle shaped backpack to be converted into a pull-toy. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack includes a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle including a transportation element. The hollow body portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion, and the transportation element extends below the bottom surface. The vehicle shaped backpack also includes at least one fastener attached to the hollow body portion and at least one strap. The at least one strap has a first connector at one end that detachably connects the at least one strap to the fastener to transform the backpack into a pull-toy. The vehicle shape of the backpack is one of a car, a taxi, a military vehicle, and a fire truck, for example.

In a further aspect, the hollow body portion includes a plurality of transparent windows to view the interior of the hollow body portion.

In another aspect, the hollow body portion is one of cloth, nylon, plastic, and combinations thereof and the transportation element is movable with respect to the hollow body portion.

In yet another aspect, the at least one closeable opening may be formed to appear as one of a hood and a trunk of a vehicle. The at least one closeable opening may also include first and second closeable openings and the first closeable opening may be formed in the shape of a hood of a vehicle and the second closeable opening may be formed in the shape of a trunk of a vehicle.

In still another aspect, the at least one fastener may include a first fastener attached at a top portion of the hollow body portion and a second fastener attached to a bottom portion of the hollow body portion. The at least one detachable strap may include a second connector such that the first connector is detachably connected to the first fastener and the second connector is detachably connected to the second fastener.

In another aspect, the at least one strap includes first and second straps and each strap has first and second connectors. With this arrangement, the second strap is detachable from the at least one fastener and the first connector of the second strap is connectable to the second connector of the first strap.

In still another aspect, the transportation element is one of a plurality of wheels, a pair of tread, and a pair of runners.

In another aspect, a detachable accessory may be provided that is affixable to an outer surface of the hollow body portion.

In accordance with principles of the invention, a transformable vehicle shaped backpack includes a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle having opposed ends. The hollow body portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion. The vehicle shaped backpack also includes at least one transportation element attached to the bottom surface, a first fastener attached adjacent to one of the opposed ends, a second fastener attached adjacent to the other of the opposed ends, and at least one strap having first and second connectors. The first connector is detachably connected to the first fastener and the second fastener is detachably connected to the second fastener such that one of the first and second connectors can be detached to transform the backpack into a pull-toy supported by the at least one transportation element.

In another aspect, at least one of the opposed ends may be formed to appear as one of a hood and a trunk of a vehicle. Alternatively, the at least one closeable opening may include a first closeable opening at one of the opposed ends and a second closeable opening at the other opposed end. The first closeable end may be formed in the shape of a hood of a vehicle and the second closeable end may be formed in the shape of a trunk of a vehicle.

In still another aspect, the at least one transportation element may include a first pair of wheels connected by a first axle and a second pair of wheels connected by a second axle.

A method for using a transformable vehicle shaped backpack as a pull-toy is also provided. The method includes providing a transformable vehicle shaped backpack as described above, detaching the first connector from the at least one fastener, and pulling the transformable vehicle shaped backpack by the end having the first connector.

In another aspect, where the at least one strap includes first and second straps having first and second connectors and the second strap is detachably connected to the at least one fastener, the method includes detaching the second strap from the at least one fastener and connecting the first connector of the second strap to the second connector of the first strap.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more rally understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear, right perspective view of the vehicle shaped backpack in the shape of a car;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the car of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the car of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the car of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the car of FIG. 1 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the car of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are bottom plan views of alternative embodiments of the car of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the car of FIG. 1 in use as a backpack;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the car of FIG. 1 in use as a pull-toy;

FIG. 10 is a front, right perspective view of the vehicle shaped backpack in the shape of a taxi;

FIG. 11 is a rear, right perspective view of the vehicle shaped backpack in the shape of a military vehicle;

FIG. 12 is a rear, right perspective view of the vehicle shaped backpack in the shape of a fire truck; and

FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the fire truck of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a transformable vehicle shaped backpack that can be many different shapes, such as, for example, cars, taxies, military vehicles, and fire trucks. As will be clear from the detailed description, the vehicle shaped backpacks are not limited to just the vehicle shapes shown as there are a myriad number of vehicles to choose from. The exemplary embodiments described below are intended to show, but not limit, the many different configurations that can be used to provide a transformable vehicle shaped backpack. Whenever possible, features common to all embodiments have been given the same reference character.

A vehicle shaped backpack 100 in the form of a car, such as a Volkswagen Beetle®, is shown in FIGS. 1-9. The backpack 100 includes a hollow body portion 110 formed in the shape of a car and includes a transportation element 120. The hollow body portion 110 has a top 112 surface, a bottom surface 114, and at least one closeable opening 116 providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion 110. A second closeable opening 117 may also be provided. In the car embodiment, the closeable openings 116, 117 may be formed to look like the hood and trunk of a car. Alternatively, the closeable openings 116, 117 may be locate at the bumpers (not shown) of the hollow body portion 110. The closeable openings 116, 117 may be closed used any suitable means such as zippers, buttons, series of snap buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, a zip-lock type closure, or any other suitable type of closure (not shown in FIGS. 1-9). In addition to the closeable openings 116, 117, the hollow body portion includes a plurality of transparent windows 115 to view the interior of the hollow body portion 110. Some or all of the windows 115 of the car can be transparent.

The vehicle shaped backpack 100 also includes two fasteners 130 and 132, each attached to opposed ends 118, 119 of the hollow body portion 110. A first strap 140 having first and second connectors 142, 144, are detachably connected to fasteners 130, 132, respectively. A second strap 150 having first and second connectors 152, 154 may also be detachably connected to fasteners 130, 132, respectively. Straps 140, 150 may be adjustable length, such as by providing a buckle for adjustment of the length of the strap in a known manner, or of fixed length.

Straps 140, 150 can both be detached from the hollow body portion 110 leaving the first connector 142 of the first strap 140 attached to one of the fasteners 130, 132. The second strap 150 can be attached to the first strap 140 by connecting either the first or second connector 152, 154 of the second strap 150 to the second connector 144 of the first strap 140 in order to link them together. Thus, the straps in the present invention have a dual function of acting as backpack straps and as the cord for the backpack 100 in its pull-toy mode.

Although two fasteners 130, 132 are provided for backpack 100 in FIGS. 1-6, other variation in the number of fasteners could be provided. For example, a single fastener could be provided at only one of opposed ends 118, 119, or three fasteners could be provided where one fastener is located adjacent the end 118 and two slightly spaced fasteners 132 and 132′ are provided at end 119 (FIG. 7A). With the latter arrangement, the first connectors 142, 152 of straps 140, 150 are detachably connected to fastener 130 and the second connectors 144, 154 of straps 140, 150 are detachably connected to fasteners 132, 132′ respectively. This helps the backpack 100 conform to the user when used as a backpack.

In this first exemplary embodiment, the transportation element 120 extends below the bottom surface 114 and is formed integral with the hollow body portion 110. The transportation element may be formed as part of the hollow body as seen in FIGS. 1-6. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 7B, the transportation element 120 may include a first pair of wheels 122, 124 connected by a first axle 123 and a second pair of wheels 126, 128 connected by a second axle 127 (straps and fasteners having been removed for clarity). Each of these wheel assemblies may be attached to the bottom surface 114 such that the wheels are free to rotate. These axles 123, 127 can be embedded in the backpack material so that they will not be exposed. Alternatively, they could simply extend across the rear side of the backpack. It is contemplated that these axles and/or additional stiffeners can be provided in order to provide rigidity for the backpack.

As seen in FIG. 8, backpack 100 can be used as a normal backpack worn by a person 160, in this case a small child. Backpack 100 provides an interesting, fun tote for children as well as adults. However, backpack 100 is transformable as shown in FIG. 9, so that children can enjoy playing with backpack 100 as a pull-toy.

To convert the backpack 100 to a pull-toy as seen in FIG. 9, the person 160 detaches one of the connectors 142, 144 of strap 140 from one of the fasteners 130, 132 and pulls the backpack 100 by the strap 140. If the backpack 100 includes a second strap 150, the person 160 can provide a longer cord for the pull-toy by detaching the second strap 150 from fasteners 130, 132 and connecting the first connector 152 of the second strap 150 to the free end of the first strap 140. While only the car shaped backpack is shown being used as a pull-toy, it should be apparent that this is equally applicable to all contemplated embodiments.

A taxi shaped backpack 200 is shown in FIG. 10. A taxi sign 230 is provided at the top surface 112 of the hollow body portion 110. This taxi sign 230 can be made from hard material such as plastic or soft material independent on the material of the hollow body portion 110. Taxi shaped backpack 200 shows added details that can be incorporated into the car shaped backpack shown in FIGS. 1-9 including closure 210, such as a zipper, and attachable accessories 220.

As seen in FIG. 11, closure 210, such as a zipper, extends along the hood. It could be a dual zipper, which can be opened in both directions or a single zipper that opens in one direction only. Rather than providing the closure 210 along the hood, it could be provided at the trunk as noted above. The different closure placements shown in the drawings are applicable for each of the different vehicles.

The accessories 220 can be stick-on labels, which come with the backpack and the child can affix to the hollow body portion 110. Alternatively, they could be permanently affixed to the backpack 200.

A military type vehicle backpack 300 is shown in FIG. 11. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, military type vehicle backpack 300 includes closures 310, 320 at both the hood and rear of the vehicle. Any suitable type of closure can be used as noted above. If so desired, the closure at the rear of the vehicle can be omitted in order to decrease the chance that the backpack contents may fall out.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show two variations of a fire truck shaped backpack 400, 400′, respectively. Closures 410, 410′ are provided at one end of the hollow body portion 110 of the backpacks 400, 400′, respectively.

As seen in FIG. 13, a gap between the cab and rear of the fire truck backpack 400′ while fire truck backpack 400 is a one-piece continuous, vehicle body without such a gap. This can provide additional room within the interior of the backpack. However, this gap can be provided in order to provide a more realistic looking vehicle if so desired. In addition, because of the gap, the interior of backpack 400′ could be divided into front and rear sections 420′, 430′. As such, closures at both ends of hollow body 110 can be provided to allow access to both the front and rear sections 420′, 430′. A ladder 440′ and siren 450′ are also provided on the hollow body portion 110. The ladder 440′ could be permanently affixed to the vehicle, or detachable therefrom. In addition, other decorations can also be provided as appropriate.

Having described, but not limited, the present invention to several different vehicle shapes, several additional features can be provided or modified to create a more realistic appearance to the vehicle shaped backpacks without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, all of the foregoing backpacks can be made of soft material such as cloth, canvas, nylon, and/or other fabric. Alternatively, the vehicle backpack can be made from a hard plastic material. In addition, portions of the vehicle could be made from different materials. For example, the wheels of each of the backpack can be made from a hard material, such as plastic, metal, or wood. This will help enable the vehicle to act as a pull-toy. However, it is possible that the entire vehicle will be made completely from cloth and rather than roll, the wheels would slide along.

Although the closures means have been shown to be located at the hood and/or the trunk, the closure means could be located at any suitable location including the bumpers or doors. It is expected, however, that the closure would be at the front end of the vehicle in order to prevent items from falling from the backpack when in use. By opening the closure at the front end of the vehicle, it is possible to insert and remove material from the backpack.

Side pockets can be provided around the area of the door. Then, small dolls or other items could be inserted into these side pockets as if they are entering the vehicle through the door. A separate compartment is also possible for the trunk and/or engine area.

While the straps have been discussed as being removable, it is possible that they may remain attached at the front of the vehicle, while only the rear portions of the straps are removable. By keeping the straps at least partially affixed to the vehicle, this reduces the chance that they may be lost. A single strap and an appropriate loop fastener may instead be provided at the front of the vehicle. By pulling one end of the strap, it would slide through the loop fastener to provide one long strap that remains affixed to the vehicle. Many different arrangements are available.

In the various views, the vehicles are shown with lights. These can be merely painted or sewn on the vehicle, or they can be workable lights. For example, the headlights and taillights of the car can illuminate. The taxi light on the top of the taxi can illuminate, or the siren on the fire truck can illuminate. In addition, a device for providing sound effects, such as a siren, horn, or other desired effects can be included in the backpack. It is contemplated that this would be sewn or otherwise permanently affixed within the backpack. Appropriate activation means could be provided.

The backpacks can have bumpers and fenders as well. These could be painted on the vehicle or additional pieces can be added. For example, the military vehicle could also have a sewn on, plastic front grill. Different add-on equipment is contemplated. The indicia also provided on the vehicles can vary. For example, a camouflage covering could be used for the military vehicle.

Finally, while the transportation element of the vehicle backpack has been shown as wheels, it is contemplated that other transportation elements may be provided. For example, the transportation element may be skids, runners, or treads, but is not so limited, that will enable the backpack to be pulled like a pull-toy.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A transformable vehicle shaped backpack comprising: a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle including a transportation element, the hollow body portion including: a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion, and wherein the transportation element extends below the bottom surface; at least one fastener attached to the hollow body portion; and at least one strap, the at least one strap having a first connector at one end that detachably connects the at least one strap to the fastener to transform the backpack into a pull-toy.
 2. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener includes: a first fastener attached at a top portion of the hollow body portion, and a second fastener attached to a bottom portion of the body portion; and the at least one detachable strap includes a second connector, the first connector being detachably connected to the first fastener and the second connector being detachably connected to the second fastener.
 3. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one closeable opening is formed to appear as one of a hood and a trunk of a vehicle.
 4. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one closeable opening includes first and second closeable openings.
 5. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 4, wherein the first closeable opening is formed in the shape of a hood of a vehicle and the second closeable opening is formed in the shape of a trunk of a vehicle.
 6. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle shape is selected from one of a car, a military vehicle, a fire truck, a taxi, a school bus, a police car, an airplane, and a sled.
 7. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the hollow body portion includes a plurality of transparent windows to view the interior of the hollow body portion.
 8. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the at least one strap includes first and second straps, each strap having first and second connectors, wherein the second strap is detachable from the at least one fastener and the first connector of the second strap is connectable to the second connector of the first strap.
 9. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the hollow body portion is one of cloth, nylon, plastic, and combinations thereof, and the transportation element is movable with respect to the hollow body portion.
 10. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, wherein the transportation element is one of a plurality of wheels, a pair of tread, and a pair of runners.
 11. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable accessory that is affixable to an outer surface of the hollow body portion.
 12. A transformable vehicle shaped backpack comprising: a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle having opposed ends, the hollow body portion including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion; at least one transportation element attached to the bottom surface; a first fastener attached adjacent to one of the opposed ends; a second fastener attached adjacent to the other of the opposed ends; and at least one strap having first connector and second connectors, the first connector being detachably connected to the first fastener and the second fastener being detachably connected to the second fastener such that one of the first and second connectors can be detached to transform the backpack into a pull-toy supported by the at least one transportation element.
 13. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the opposed end is formed to appear as one of a hood and a trunk of a vehicle.
 14. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the at least one closeable opening includes a first closeable opening at one of the opposed ends and a second closeable opening at the other opposed end.
 15. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 14, wherein the first closeable end is formed in the shape of a hood of a vehicle and the second closeable end is formed in the shape of a trunk of a vehicle.
 16. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle shape is one of a car, a military vehicle, and a fire truck.
 17. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the hollow body portion includes a plurality of transparent windows arranged to view the interior of the hollow body portion.
 18. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the at least one transportation element includes a first pair of wheels connected by a first axle and a second pair of wheels connected by a second axle.
 19. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the at least one strap includes first and second straps, each strap having first and second connectors, wherein the second strap is detachable from the first and second fasteners and the first connector of the second strap is connectable to the second connector of the first strap.
 20. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, wherein the hollow body portion is one of cloth, nylon, plastic, and combinations thereof.
 21. The transformable vehicle shaped backpack according to claim 12, further comprising a detachable accessory that is affixable to a outer surface of the hollow body portion.
 22. A method for using a transformable vehicle shaped backpack as a pull-toy, the method comprising: providing the transformable vehicle shaped backpack, the backpack including: a hollow body portion formed in the shape of a vehicle having opposed ends, the hollow body portion including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one closeable opening providing access to an interior of the hollow body portion; at least one transportation element attached to the bottom surface; a first fastener attached adjacent to one of the opposed ends; a second fastener attached adjacent to the other of the opposed ends; and at least one strap having first connector and second connectors, the first connector being detachably connected to the first fastener and the second fastener being detachably connected to the second fastener such that one of the first and second fasteners can be detached to transform the backpack to a pull-toy supported by the at least one transportation element; detaching the first connector from the at least one fastener; and pulling the transformable vehicle shaped backpack by the end having the first connector.
 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the at least one strap includes first and second straps, each strap having first and second connectors, the second strap is detachably connected to the at least one fastener; and the method includes: detaching the second strap from the at least one fastener; and connecting the first connector of the second strap to the second connector of the first strap. 